Nestled on the enchanting Aoshima Island in Miyazaki, Japan, Anandah Café and House stands as a testament to architectural innovation and harmonious integration with nature. Designed by Takeshi Ishiodori Architecture, this project encompasses a café and the client’s residence, offering a tranquil sanctuary amidst the lush subtropical surroundings of the island. Situated at the nexus of land and sea, the site boasts panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean to the east and a picturesque mountain range to the west, creating a captivating juxtaposition of natural elements.

A Fusion of Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

Inspired by the idea of creating a space reminiscent of “forest trees as pillars and just a roof between the trees,” the architects envisioned a design that seamlessly blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. With almost half of the building area dedicated to terraces, the structure exudes a sense of openness and connection with its surroundings. The building, spanning the full width of the site, features open semi-outdoor terraces on three sides, inviting gentle breezes and filtering natural light throughout the space.

Primitive Elegance in Design

At the heart of the design is a large gable roof, gently sloping and clad in white galvalume steel corrugated plates, evoking a primitive yet elegant aesthetic. Complemented by cedar shingles on the exterior walls, the roof serves as a protective canopy, shielding occupants from the elements while blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. The design of the gable roof and open terraces not only enhances the building’s primitiveness but also offers respite from strong typhoon winds, a common occurrence in the region.

Illuminating Ambiance

The interior of Anandah Café and House is bathed in natural light, courtesy of a large atrium that extends from the terrace to the interior space. Wooden windows, designed to be fully opened, allow the refreshing sea breeze to permeate the space, infusing it with the invigorating scent of the ocean. As the western sun casts its warm glow across the mountain peaks, every corner of the interior and exterior is bathed in a soft, ethereal light, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside.

A Haven of Happiness

Named ‘Anandah’ in Sanskrit, meaning “happiness, being free from all limitations,” the café embodies a philosophy of joy and liberation. By eliminating the boundaries between interior and exterior, the space invites visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and find solace in the simplicity of existence. As guests linger in this tranquil oasis, surrounded by the sights, scents, and sounds of the island, they are invited to embrace the essence of happiness and discover a profound connection to the natural world.